AFSCME Rallies for Senate Vote on Social Security Fairness Act

Momentum Grows for Repeal of Controversial Social Security Provisions

In a spirited demonstration on Capitol Hill, public service workers, union leaders, and legislators gathered in the rain to advocate for the Senate's approval of the Social Security Fairness Act. The gathering was marked by a significant announcement from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who pledged to bring the bill to a vote soon. The House of Representatives had already passed the proposal with strong bipartisan support.

The legislation seeks to abolish the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) in Social Security, reforms that have long been championed by AFSCME members and retirees. These workers have consistently pushed for more secure retirement benefits, mobilizing through letters, rallies, and online campaigns, all of which have brought the repeal closer to fruition.

For four decades, the GPO-WEP has adversely affected many public servants, including firefighters, teachers, and police officers, by reducing their Social Security benefits. Over two million retirees find themselves at risk, facing potential reductions in their retirement income.

Lois Carson, president of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE)/AFSCME Local 4, shared her concerns about the impact of these provisions on her retirement, stating, “I worked for Columbus City Schools for over 40 years. I dedicated my career to helping improve the lives of children in my community — but when I retire, I am concerned I won’t have access to the full benefits I’ve earned to support myself and my loved ones.” She emphasized that full access to Social Security benefits would provide peace of mind for her and thousands of others.

Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, a long-time advocate for this reform, highlighted the personal stories of public service workers, such as Barb Ward, an Ohio bus driver and OAPSE member, whose retirement is jeopardized by GPO-WEP. Brown declared, “I’ve spent my whole career fighting for the dignity of work. If you love this country, you’ll fight for the people who make it work.”

In solidarity, Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), voiced his commitment to correcting what he sees as an injustice: “I don’t mind standing out here in the rain for a little bit … knowing that those that came before us that did so much for this country … were screwed by the United States Congress. And this Congress has an obligation to fix that.”

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond also spoke, emphasizing the importance of the bill for the labor movement, stating, “Our police, our firefighters, our school teachers, folks who wake this country up every morning and tuck this country to sleep at night, these people deserve to retire with dignity, to retire with respect, and an assault against these workers is an assault against the entire labor movement.” He warned that any opposition to the bill would be viewed as opposition to the labor movement itself.